The Independent
An interpretive tour of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs followed by watching the sun set from the Equinox cairns will be held Saturday, March 21 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
“Those coming out to the event will watch the sun slide down the south slope of the Gap opening and then sit in the middle before disappearing.” said Nancy Dalton, interpretive guide and secretary for the Parowan Heritage Foundation which hosts the event.
The evening event will start with a guided interpretive walk through the narrow Gap opening, which will include how the Gap was formed and interpretation of several solar and lunar calendar petroglyphs. Many glyphs here are deeply incised in the rock face, planned with geometric precision, and inscribed with great skill. The most prevalent characteristic of the petroglyphs at the Parowan Gap are counts, or repeated elements. At other glyphic sites most figures have human or animal forms, however the typical glyph here is a geometric form with some repetition incorporated. When these marks are counted they tell of a very observant and insightful people.
At 7 p.m. the group will walk four-tenths of a mile along the paved road to the trail to the Equinox cairns (a rock pile monument). From there the group will hike two-tenths of mile up to the Equinox cairns.
“Again, the sun sets down the middle of the Gap, but at a different angle than the Summer Solstice, as the Gap opening is slightly smaller, said Dalton.
Those attending the event are encouraged to wear hiking shoes and dress warm, in case the wind is blowing. “In the Spring, the cold winds blowing through the Gap can cut right through you,” added Dalton.
Getting There:
From Cedar City, go north on Main Street to Hwy 130 and continue north for 13.5 miles then turn east and go 2.5 miles on the Gap Road. From Parowan, go north on Main Street to 400 North, turn west and drive under the interstate and continue west for 10.5 miles.
For more information contact Nancy Dalton at (435) 463-3735.
